Heritage York Research Guide
Joshua Glover
Joshua Glover was an enslaved man who, in the 1850s, made an escape from the United States. His story resounded in newspapers across Canada, the United States, and even as far as Sydney, Australia. Glover travelled via the underground railroad from Wisconsin to Etobicoke, where he worked, married, and lived out his life near the west bank of the Humber River. To view more information on Black populations and settlement in the area, please click here.
Finding Freedom: The untold story of Joshua Glover, runaway slave
In 2007, a book was published by Ruby West Jackson and Walter T. McDonald (citation below) which helpfully sites a significant number of primary sources. Due to the pre-existence of such a valuable resource, the sources found during the research for this guide (linked above) are intended to complement (not repeat) those in the cited book. They include newspaper accounts of Glover's story and of those involved in his escape, census records, directories listings, and other documents.
Jackson, Ruby West., and Walter T. McDonald. Finding Freedom : the Untold Story of Joshua Glover, Runaway Slave. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2007.
Joshua Glover Park
4208 Dundas St West
In 2020, due to the efforts of the Etobicoke Historical Society, a parkette was dedicated to Joshua Glover. The parkette is located just north of Dundas St West, most easily accessible by going north up Brin Drive.
"Stepping Forward Into History"
As part of the dedication of the park, local artist Quentin VerCetty was commissioned to create a statue of Joshua Glover (pictured above and right). To learn more about the statue entitled "Stepping Forward Into History" please visit VerCetty's website, linked above, or click here to view the news release of the unveiling.
